Sawan Fasting Food: Fasting Food for Shravan Month

Sawan, commonly known as Shravan Maas, is one of the holiest months in the Hindu calendar. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva, it’s the time when devotees observe Somvar Vrat (Monday fasting) with great devotion and dedication. But one question always arises during this spiritual month: what to eat in this duration?

In this blog, we’ll explore all food aspects related to Sawan fasting food—from sattvik meals and vrat-friendly ingredients to what’s allowed, what to avoid, and how to keep your meals nutritious and fulfilling while following your faith. Whether you’re fasting every Monday or the entire month, here are the complete guidelines to fasting food for Shravan month.

Why Do People Fast During Sawan?

Fasting during Sawan is believed to cleanse the body, mind, and soul. Mondays or “Sawan Somvars” are the most important days as they’re dedicated to Lord Shiva. Devotees either observe a full-day fast or consume only specific sattvik foods to show devotion and maintain purity.

Apart from spiritual significance, fasting in this month is also aligned with seasonal changes. As the monsoon sets in, the digestive system weakens, hence, light, natural foods are encouraged.

What to Eat in Sawan:

If you’re observing a Shravan Somvar Vrat, here are basic dietary guidelines:

• • Only sattvik food (pure, clean, non-processed) is allowed.
  • Avoid onion, garlic, non-veg (meat, & eggs).
  • Grains like rice and wheat are generally avoided.
  • Use sendha namak (rock salt) instead of regular salt.
  • Cook only in ghee or peanut oil.
  • No packaged food.
  • So let’s dive into what to eat in Sawan when you’re fasting.
    

Must Have Ingredients In Fasting Food for Shravan Month:

Here are vrat-friendly ingredients you can safely include in your meals:

Fruits:

Bananas, apples, papaya, pomegranate, watermelon

Sabudana (sago):

Great for khichdi, tikkis, and kheer

Kuttu ka atta (buckwheat flour):

For puris and rotis

Singhara atta (water chestnut flour):

Light and nutritious

Samak rice(barnyard millet):

Perfect grain substitute

Potatoes, sweet potatoes, arbi (colocasia):

Filling and easy to cook

Makhana (fox nuts):

A superfood snack and kheer base

Curd and milk:

Best for smoothies, lassi, or kadi

Peanuts, almonds, coconut:

For adding crunch, flavor, and energy

Popular Food to Eat in Sawan Somvar Vrat

Here are some easy, delicious, and sattvik meal ideas for your Sawan somvar vrat food plan:

1. Sabudana Khichdi

A prominent dish during any vrat, sabudana khichdi is light on the stomach and rich in energy. It can be cooked with boiled potatoes, peanuts, green chilies, and a touch of lemon.

2. Kuttu ke Pakore

This crispy and tasty snack is made using buckwheat flour and diced potatoes or raw bananas. Fry it in pure ghee for an authentic vrat feel.

3. Samak Rice Pulao

Samak rice looks and feels like broken rice. You can sauté it with veggies like carrots, boiled potatoes, and cumin to make a wholesome pulao.

4. Aloo/Makhana Tikki

There are various health benefits of makhana, and apart from that, it is also suitable for breakfast and evening snacks. Mix boiled potatoes with crushed makhana, sendha namak, and spices, shallow fry, and make delicious tikkis.

5. Lauki (Bottle Gourd) Curry

Lauki is light and hydrating. You can make its curry using rock salt and simple spices. Pair it with vrat puris made from singhara atta.

6. Makhana Kheer

A sweet delight! Roasted fox nuts simmered in milk with cardamom, dry fruits, and a touch of jaggery or sugar.

7. Fruit Chaat

The easiest energy boost. Mix apples, bananas, pomegranate, and papaya with black pepper and rock salt.

Beverages Allowed in Sawan Fasting

• • Buttermilk
  • Sweet lassi
  • Coconut water
  • Herbal tea
  • Lemon water with honey
  • Warm milk with cardamom or saffron
  • Avoid tea or coffee if you're observing a strict vrat.
    

Foods to Avoid in Sawan Fast

Knowing what you should avoid is equally important. Here’s what’s not allowed:

• • Onion, garlic, turmeric (in some traditions)
  • Table salt
  • Regular flours (atta, maida, sooji)
  • Pulses and lentils
  • Non-veg (including eggs) and processed snacks
  • Grains like wheat, rice, and oats

Tips for a Healthy Shravan Month Fasting

• • Start your day with warm lemon water or fruits.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking coconut water or buttermilk.
  • Use ghee or cold-pressed oil in place of refined oil.
  • Plan your meals in advance to avoid skipping nutrition.
  • Include dry fruits and makhana for energy.

Significance for Fasting Food for Shravan Month

Eating clean during Shravan month is not just about diet, it’s about inner discipline, mindfulness and devotion. The food you eat should be light, easy to digest, and prepared with love. That’s why each & every element of Sawan somvar vrat food is selected to support both your spiritual and physical well-being.

Chart for Meals of Sawan Somvar

Final Thoughts:

The food you eat in sawan, like dry fruits (directly or adding it in the kheer) not only maintains your energy during vrat but it also deepens your spiritual bonding. By knowing exactly what to eat in Sawan, you can stay healthy, focused, and aligned with the traditions of this sacred month.

Whether you're preparing food to eat in Sawan somvar vrat or fasting the entire Shravan, remember: purity of the mind begins with purity on your plate. So, keep it light, keep it sacred.

May your fasting journey bring peace, strength, and blessings. Happy Shravan!

FAQ:

Q1. Why should we use sendha namak (rock/pink salt) instead of regular salt while fasting?

A1. Sendha namak (rock/pink salt) is not processed, which makes it perfect for religious fastings, whereas regular salt is processed. Hence, we should avoid it.

Q2. What are some of the easy-to-cook Sawan Vrat recipes?

A2. Sabudana khichdi, samak rice pulao, aloo tikki, makhana kheer, or fruit chaat for quick, tasty, and sattvik vrat meals.

Q3. Can I drink tea or coffee during Sawan fast?

A3. This depends on personal beliefs, family, and local traditions. Some allow it, while some don't. Herbal tea, coconut water, and lemon water are healthier options.

Q4. Can I eat dry fruits during Sawan fast?

A4. Yes, definitely! Almonds, cashews, raisins, and makhana are excellent sources of energy and are completely vrat-friendly.